Features

Match Report

NORTH FERRIBY 1 UNITED 0

UNITED failed to convert multiple chances and lost 1-0 to North Ferriby in East Yorkshire.

North Ferriby captain Danny Clarke converted from close-range after some intricate passing in and around United’s penalty area.

Player-manager Kevin Nicholson made one enforced change to the team that lost against Sutton United on Tuesday night. Defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco came into the heart of defence to replace the suspended Ben Gerring who was serving a suspension after getting sent off against Sutton. New West Bromwich Albion loaneeJoe Ward and non-contract signing Jamie Chamberlain took their places on the bench.

United started brightly and created a chance almost immediately.

Nathan Blissett and Brett Williams exchanged passes and when Blissett received inside the box it looked like he was free to shoot on goal. Liam Slade dived in with a last-ditch tackle to foil what would have been the perfect start for the Gulls.

The opening twenty minutes of the match resulted in many ‘nearly’ moments for United. Dan Sparkes was at the heart of the action. United were building up a head of steam and looked the better of the two sides.

North Ferriby threatened sporadically but came up with one of the best chances of the first half. United were lucky that a flick across their box wasn’t converted. Danny Emerton then had a shot blocked when well placed on the edge of United’s penalty area.

United then put some intricate passing together that promised much more than it delivered. The final ball wasn’t what was required.

Dan Sparkes then put Blissett in on goal. Again, it looked like he was free, but another vital tackle robbed him of the chance. United players appealed for a penalty, but the referee wasn’t interested.

United threatened once again when Luke Young delivered a dangerous ball into the box but there wasn’t a Gulls player to take advantage.

The first substitution came early in the match when Jamie Reid replaced Sam Chaney in the 33rd minute.

The half-time break either came at the wrong time, or allowed United to pause, only to increase the pressure on North Ferriby. More chances were to follow but United were to be left ultimately frustrated.

Williams pounced on a poor back pass and should have put United into the lead in the 47th minute.

He failed to beat Ferriby ‘keeper Rory Watson one-on-one. The ‘keeper would later be awarded the Man of the Match award because of this, and many more saves in the second half.

The Gulls were also guilty of over-elaborating in midfield at points. Too many unnecessary touches in midfield allowed Ferriby to steal the ball and break. Kendall ran through on goal but Moore was well-placed to keep the game scoreless.

Watson nearly undid all of his good work in the 52nd minute.

He kicked the ball straight at Nathan Blissett’s back. However, he was able to recover the ball and spare his blushes. The slip encouraged United even more but they were soon to be guilty of missing even more chances.

A Nathan Blissett knock down left Brett Williams well-placed to shoot at goal. He couldn’t keep the ball down and another chance was spurned.

Aman Verma, up for a corner then glanced a chance wide when a little more composure would have paid dividends.

United were then made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.

North Ferriby captain Danny Clarke scored from close-range after the home side put together their best move of the match.

The Gulls needed to get back into the game quickly but continued to miss opportunities.

Dan Sparkes had two chances to equalize but Watson saved both shots on goal. It wasn’t to be United’s day.

Subsutitutes Jamie Chamberlain and Joe Ward both made the debuts for United and will be pushing for starts.

United had a couple more good chances to get something from the match.

Luke Young struck the base of the post with a wicked free-kick. Then Chamberlain, coming through on goal from an angle, struck a shot that Watson pushed away.

United can be pleased with the amount of chances they created on the day. William and Blissett will be ruing the opportunities that weren’t converted.

Better to be creating chances, than not, but United will be looking for a more clinical day in front of goal next Saturday when they take on Dover at Plainmoor.